Anyone selling fireworks in Tiverton should expect extra scrutiny in the week leading up to the Fourth of July, Blakey said.

“Fireworks are not allowed to be sold in Massachusetts, so we have to be aware of that here on the border,” he said.

In fact, North Tiverton News, 15 Main Road, is one of two stores selling fireworks within 100 yards of the state line. A second store has a large sign advertising fireworks two doors away.

Both businesses remained open on Friday.

“We will file our charge in court,” Blakey said. “We are also working with the Town Council on this. The council will examine the store’s fireworks license. Because the council is the licensing authority, council members will make a decision on what to do about the license.”

The charge against Patel is a felony. It will be referred to the attorney general for prosecution.